Asia's second-largest ISKCON temple is set to open in Navi Mumbai, with its inauguration scheduled for January 15: Know Everything about Asia's second-largest ISKCON temple

Asia's second-largest ISKCON temple is set to open in Navi Mumbai, with its inauguration taking place on January 15. The ceremony, which began on January 9, will culminate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially dedicating the temple on January 15 before it opens to the public. Located in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, the temple spans nine acres and is constructed on land provided by CIDCO. 

What is ISKCON? 

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as the Hare Krishna movement, encompasses over 500 major centers, temples, and rural communities, nearly 100 affiliated vegetarian restaurants, thousands of namahattas (local meeting groups), various community projects, and millions of congregational members worldwide. Despite being less than fifty years old, ISKCON has experienced significant growth since its founding by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda in New York City in 1966.

Many of us knows that ISKCON's founder, Srila Prabhupada, has earned widespread recognition from scholars and religious leaders for his remarkable achievement in presenting India's Vaishnava spiritual culture in a way that resonates with contemporary Western and global audiences.

Members of ISKCON practice bhakti-yoga both at home and in temples. They also spread Krishna Consciousness through various activities, including festivals, the performing arts, yoga seminars, public chanting, and distributing the society’s literature. Additionally, ISKCON members have established hospitals, schools, colleges, eco-villages, free food distribution programs, and other institutions, demonstrating the practical application of devotional yoga.

Moving in the same direction ISKCON temple is set to open in Navi Mumbai, with its inauguration taking place on January 15. This new temple is the second-largest ISKCON temple in Asia.  

This new temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), an organization devoted to spreading the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. According to "Republic World" the temple took 12 years to complete and approximately 170 crores were spent, all funded through donations from devotees. A special memorial has also been created to honor ISKCON's founder, Srila Prabhupada, with statues of Prabhupada, his followers from both India and abroad, and depictions of his works. This is the only ISKCON temple in Navi Mumbai to feature such a memorial. Religious rituals, including yagnas and other spiritual programs, are being conducted as part of the temple’s opening festivities. 

Prime Minister Modi will not only inaugurate the temple but also offer prayers and tour the cultural center and Vedic Museum on the temple grounds. Other notable personalities, including singer Anup Jalota and actress Hema Malini, are also expected to attend the inauguration.

Key Features of Temple

• The temple took 12 years to complete and is dedicated to Lord Krishna, bearing the name 'Shri Shri Radha Madan Mohan.'
• Its main hall features intricate 3D artwork of Lord Krishna, and many of the Dashavatar temple’s doors are crafted from silver, adorned with carvings of a donkey, chakra, and flag.
• Built using white and brown marble stones, the temple stands as an extraordinary architectural marvel.
• Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple is named 'Shri Shri Radha Madan Mohan.'
• As a prominent addition to the ISKCON network, which has over 800 temples worldwide, the Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan temple offers modern amenities, including separate ashrams within the premises.
• A large garden, decorated in white, gold, and pink hues, greets visitors in front of the temple.
• The temple also houses a college library that provides resources for Vedic studies, including medical texts and other educational materials.
• Constructed by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Kharghar Sector 23, Navi Mumbai, this temple stands as a remarkable symbol of the organization’s commitment to spreading the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.

The Grand Prasadam Hall will serve prasadam to devotees, featuring seating for 3,000 people, and will host cultural programs and various events.

Advaitachaitanya Das Maharaj shared, "This temple is magnificently built with white marble, symbolizing peace and harmony. Spanning 9 acres, it offers all the necessary facilities. It is a stunning temple, and devotees visiting here will experience great peace and joy. Tomorrow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate this temple."

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